Now Commenting On:

Rangers not planning major deals past Deadline

Rangers not planning major deals past Deadline

7/28/13: Alexi Ogando throws 4 2/3 solid frames, cruising through four scoreless before tiring in the fifth as he allows one run on six hits

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers expect plenty of reinforcements in the next five days when rosters are expanded for the final month, but not from outside the organization.

Saturday is the Trade Deadline for players to be acquired and still be eligible for the postseason roster, but the Rangers are not planning to be a part of the latest blitz of deals going down. The Rangers appear satisfied with Travis Blackley as their fifth starter while planning on activating four pitchers off the disabled list in the next week.

The Rangers are expecting left-hander Michael Kirkman and right-handers Nick Tepesch, Neftali Feliz and Alexi Ogando off the disabled list in the next week. Tepesch and Kirkman are making their final Minor League appearances on Friday night. Kirkman is starting for Triple-A Round Rock and Tepesch is on the mound for Double-A Frisco.

They are expected to be activated on Sunday when the rosters expand. Feliz is also expected to be activated on Sunday, 13 months after undergoing Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. He has not allowed a run in 8 2/3 innings over six appearances with Round Rock.

"We've had very good reports … everything you want to see," Daniels said. "Command, changeup, velocity, he's pitched. Everything has ticked up. It sounds like he has made a concerted effort to pitch and not light up the radar gun."

Ogando, who has been sidelined for two weeks with inflammation in his right elbow, is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Saturday. If that goes well, there is a possibility he could pitch either for Round Rock or Frisco on Monday. Both teams end their seasons on Monday and are not going to the playoffs.